Rye Y staff member gives back to the community

Claire and Phil

Join Rye YMCA staff member, Phil Gormley, in a race to benefit ALS.

On September 12th, I will be RACING across the Hudson with several other Rye YMCA members.   We will swim from Nyack to Sleepy Hollow to benefit ALS.

This will be my 7th year participating. The Hudson is a very dynamic body of water, and to breathe and see the Tappan Zee bridge is an amazing experience!  Every time you cross the bridge in car, it brings you right back! 

Race proceeds will go to MAC Angels, in honor of my sister Claire who passed in May 2009 after her battle with ALS.  Claire was able to live at home for 5+ years and continue to be a mom for her 3 children, which was ALL important to her. This charity helps others in Claire's situation, by assessing needs, and helping families fight the battle and live better with ALS.  

Claire's team, FoCers as we are affectionately called :-) ( friends of Claire), has a goal of raising $20,000.00.  PLEASE participate in the 3 mile "race" or 1 mile swim option.  Kayakers also needed.  Click here to find out more about participating.

Thank you. 

Phil Gormley

Rye Y Spin Instructor  

and Chairman of the Westchester Triathlon
Click here to donate to the FoCers.

Father and Son Inspire Each Other at the Rye Y

Most afternoons this summer Thomas McCaffrey and his son Tommy have worked out together. Tommy, an 8th grader, particpated in the Teen Fitness Camp and afterwards exercised with his father in the Fitness Center.

"I thought it would be great for Tommy to build confidence and get in shape for football," said McCaffrey. "Then he got me into it - so it's been great for both of us!"

"I definitely see results since the beginning of the summer," said Tommy. "I'm much stronger and feel good!"

A Rye Y Staff Member Swims New York Harbor

Most people would not volunteer to jump off a water taxi into the middle of New York Harbor, yet this is my idea of fun. I trust my enthusiasm was shared by all 209 finishers of the 6th annual Governors Island swim held on Sunday August 1st.   Run by NYC Swim, the race circles the island that lies between southern Manhattan and Brooklyn. Views of NYC landmarks such as The Statue of Liberty and The Brooklyn Bridge tempted me to just float and gawk rather than continue swimming.

Completing the 2 miles in approximately 1 hr and 8 min put me near the back of the pack, but that barely mattered. We were blessed with great weather and unexpectedly calm waters plus I had the chance to share the challenge with my brother and a friend.

Susan Pollak teaches Group Power at the Rye Y